South Dakota Public and Private Lakes

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on “South Dakota Public and Pay Lakes”. We’ve meticulously gathered information about the best fishing lakes South Dakota has to offer to help you enjoy your favorite pastime with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, this guide is here to simplify the search for your perfect fishing spot. We’ve curated a list of top lakes, providing you with information such as lake size, variety of fish, amenities offered, and even specific rules and regulations.

Each lake featured in this guide has been thoroughly researched to ensure you have everything you need for a successful day of fishing. Our user-friendly interface allows you to access full guides for each lake quickly, offering you in-depth information and insider tips. We’ve done the heavy lifting, collecting all the essential details so you can spend less time researching and more time casting your line.

And for those looking for a more exclusive fishing experience, we’ve got you covered. Wing It is working with local landowners to provide day access to private pay lakes. These secluded spots offer a truly unique and less crowded fishing experience. Information about these select locations is readily available, providing a sneak peek into the unique opportunities they offer. What’s more, the list of private pay lakes is set to expand over the next few years, giving you even more options for your next fishing adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of South Dakota’s public lakes or the exclusivity of its private pay lakes, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Happy fishing!

South Dakota DNR Resources & Links

If you’re looking for the most up-to-date information on fishing licenses, requirements, and information about South Dakota fishing and lake options, you should definitely check out the South Dakota DNR. Here is their contact information and other useful links right here.

South Dakota DNR

20641 SD Highway 1806
Fort Pierre, SD 57532

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South Dakota Public Lakes Features & Amenities

South Dakota Lakes

Name of Lake	Size	Closest City	State Resources	Lake Guide	Marina	Boat Rental	Boat Launch Ramp	Campgrounds	RV Hookups	Lodging	Convenience Store	Bait & Tackle	Restaurant
Angostura Reservoir	4800 acres	Rapid City	Resources	Guide	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Belle Fourche Reservoir	6,700 acres	Belle Fourche	Resources	Guide	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
Bitter Lake	3,600 acres	Waubay	Resources	Guide	No	No	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Lake Albert	3,600 acres	Lake Norden	Resources	Guide	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Francis Case	100,000-acres	Platte	Resources	Guide	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Kampeska	4,800-acres	Watertown	Resources	Guide	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Madison	2,642 acres	Madison	Resources	Guide	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Oahe	300,000 acres	Mobridge	Resources	Guide	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Pelican	2,800-acres	Watertown	Resources	Guide	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Poinsett	7,900-acres	Lake Norden	Resources	Guide	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Lake Preston	5,400-acres	Lake Preston	Resources	Guide	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Sharpe	55,000 acres	Pierre	Resources	Guide	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Thompson	15,000-acres	Lake Preston	Resources	Guide	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Nearby	Nearby	Nearby
Lake Traverse	11,200-acres	Wheaton	Resources	Guide	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lake Whitewood	4,700-acres	Lake Preston	Resources	Guide	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Shadehill Reservoir	5,100 acres	Dickinson	Resources	Guide	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Nearby	Nearby	Nearby
Waubay Lake	15,000-acres	Waubay	Resources	Guide	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Nearby	Yes	Yes	Nearby

Angostura Reservoir

Angostura Reservoir in South Dakota is a popular 4,800-acre public lake, notable for its rich fish species including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, among others. Its amenities like a marina, boat launch ramp, campgrounds, RV hookups, and a restaurant, coupled with recreational activities like boating, swimming, and wildlife observation, make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts. While boat rentals are not available and peak seasons may be crowded, its scenic beauty and diverse fish population more than compensate. A South Dakota fishing license is necessary to fish, with individual regulations for each species. Pets are welcomed but should be leashed and supervised.

Belle Fourche Reservoir

Belle Fourche Reservoir, just 8 miles east of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, is a popular public lake managed by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Wildlife. Open year-round, the reservoir provides ample recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking. It's particularly known for its excellent fishing opportunities with species like walleye, catfish, and white bass. The reservoir has amenities like boat launch ramps, campgrounds, and RV hookups but lacks a marina, boat rental, lodging, a convenience store, bait & tackle, and a restaurant. Despite these limitations, the reservoir remains popular for its beautiful scenery, free access, good camping, and RV amenities. Notably, no fees or fishing licenses are required to fish at Belle Fourche Reservoir.

Bitter Lake

Located in northeast South Dakota, Bitter Lake is a 3,600-acre public lake renowned for its diverse fishing experience and serene environment. Walleye and yellow perch are predominant, but other species like black bullhead, black crappie, common carp, northern pike, rock bass, spottail shiner, white bass, and white sucker are also found. While offering a boat launch ramp and RV hookups, the lake lacks amenities such as a marina, boat rental, convenience store, bait & tackle shop, and restaurant. However, the lake's free public access, myriad fish species, and stunning natural setting, as well as opportunities for boating, birdwatching, and picnicking, outweigh these limitations. Do note, advisories for mercury exist in walleye and northern pike.

Lake Albert

Lake Albert in South Dakota is a 3,600-acre public lake renowned for its tranquil environment and diverse fishing opportunities. It is home to a variety of fish species, including Northern Pike, Walleye, and Smallmouth Bass, among others. The site offers numerous amenities such as boat rentals, campgrounds, lodging, and more, though it can become crowded during peak seasons. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. A valid South Dakota fishing license is required for fishing, with daily catch limits in place. Fishing tournaments are occasionally organized, adding to the appeal for anglers. With a high visitor rating, Lake Albert is highly recommended for its variety of fish, scenic beauty, and excellent facilities.

Lake Francis Case

Lake Francis Case is a vast public lake spanning 100,000 acres along South Dakota's Missouri River. Known for a rich array of fish species like walleye, perch, crappie, and smallmouth bass, it's a prime spot for fishing all year round, including ice fishing in winter. The site offers many amenities, such as a marina, boat rentals, campgrounds, and restaurants, but limited nearby lodging could pose a challenge for some visitors. Beyond fishing, the lake allows for recreational activities like boating, waterskiing, hiking, and birdwatching, alongside winter sports. Despite occasional crowding in peak seasons, Lake Francis Case boasts a 4.5/5 stars rating, as visitors highly recommend it.

Lake Kampeska

Lake Kampeska, a 4,800-acre public lake near Watertown, South Dakota, is celebrated for its diverse fishing opportunities, including species like smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch. No specific fishing fee applies, but a South Dakota fishing license is required. The site offers ample amenities such as boat rentals, campgrounds, lodging, and restaurants, though there's no marina. Beyond fishing, Lake Kampeska provides recreational activities like water skiing, camping, and boating. Despite potential crowding during peak seasons, the lake maintains a high 4.5/5 stars rating, with visitors recommending it for fishing and recreation.

Lake Madison

Situated in east-central South Dakota, Lake Madison is a 2,642-acre public lake known for its optimal fishing conditions and diverse range of fish species, including Bluegill, Northern Pike, and Walleye. The lake, with its average depth of 8 feet, offers various amenities such as a marina, boat rentals, campgrounds, and a restaurant, and invites recreational activities like boating, swimming, and hiking. Notably, peak fishing times are typically between 5-7 pm. Despite potential crowding during peak seasons and fees for park entrance and fishing licenses, Lake Madison receives a high visitor rating for its rich fish diversity, ample amenities, and picturesque scenery. Pets are allowed, but leashing is mandatory.

Lake Oahe

Lake Oahe in South Dakota, the fourth-largest reservoir in the U.S., stretches 231 miles with over 2,200 miles of shoreline, housing a wide variety of fish species like smallmouth bass, lake trout, and northern pike. This makes it an angler's haven. The lake offers numerous amenities, including a marina, boat rentals, campgrounds, and restaurants, and encourages activities like boating, ice fishing, camping, and hiking. However, crowding during peak seasons can be a downside. Despite this, Lake Oahe maintains a high 4.5/5 stars recommendation rating, testifying to its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Pelican

Located in east-central South Dakota, Lake Pelican is a public freshwater lake covering 2,800 acres and offering diverse fishing opportunities with species like walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. Key fishing spots include Halverson Bay, the cabbage beds, and the northeast bays. The lake provides amenities like boat rentals, campgrounds, lodging, and a restaurant, although no marina is available. Visitors can also partake in boating, swimming, bird watching, and hiking. Despite challenges with navigation and water clarity, Lake Pelican maintains a 4/5 star rating due to its abundance of fish, scenic views, and variety of amenities.

Lake Poinsett

Situated near Stone Bridge in east-central South Dakota, Lake Poinsett is a public lake covering 7,900 acres and known for its diverse fish species like smallmouth bass, walleye, and chinook salmon, making it a favored spot for anglers. The lake provides both shoreline and boat fishing access and offers amenities like a boat launch ramp, campgrounds, lodging, and a restaurant, although it lacks a marina, boat rentals, and a bait & tackle shop. Apart from fishing, Lake Poinsett invites recreational activities like camping, boating, and hiking, with ice fishing being popular in winter. Despite some missing amenities, the lake maintains a high 4.5/5 stars rating due to its rich fish variety, easy fishing access, and notable amenities.

Lake Preston

Located in east-central South Dakota, Lake Preston is a 5,400-acre public lake renowned for its diverse fish population, which includes walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. Despite being about 100 miles from Sioux Falls, the lake provides numerous amenities like boat rentals, campgrounds, lodging, and restaurants, though there's no marina. Apart from its excellent fishing opportunities, Lake Preston invites other recreational activities such as boating, swimming, hiking, and birdwatching. While its remote location and lack of a marina could be downsides for some, Lake Preston still boasts a high 4.5/5 stars rating for its fishing opportunities, amenities, and natural beauty.

Lake Sharpe

Nestled in South Dakota's heart, Lake Sharpe is a public lake stretching over 55,000 acres and 200 miles, offering diverse fishing opportunities with species like walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and sturgeon. Apart from its abundant fish species, Lake Sharpe provides amenities such as marinas, campgrounds, lodging, and restaurants, though direct boat rentals are not offered. In addition to fishing, the lake offers activities like boating, kayaking, and bird watching. Despite the absence of direct boat rentals, Lake Sharpe maintains a strong 4.5/5 star rating, commended for its diverse fish species, numerous amenities, and wide variety of recreational activities.

Lake Thompson

Lake Thompson, nestled in east-central South Dakota, is a public fishing destination covering 15,000 acres and teeming with diverse fish species such as smallmouth bass, walleye, and yellow perch. Despite the absence of a marina or boat rentals, Lake Thompson offers free fishing access and multiple boat ramps, along with amenities like campgrounds, lodging, and convenience stores in the surrounding area. Visitors can also enjoy non-fishing activities such as camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. Even with potential crowding during peak seasons, Lake Thompson upholds a 4.5/5 star rating due to its vibrant fish population, scenic beauty, and comprehensive amenities.

Lake Traverse

Lake Traverse, straddling the South Dakota and Minnesota border, covers 11,200 acres and offers diverse fish species. Despite lacking a marina, it provides ample amenities and activities, making it a popular spot for both fishing and recreational activities. It maintains a 4.5-star rating despite peak season crowds and fishing license requirements.

Lake Whitewood

Lake Whitewood in South Dakota is a 4,700-acre public lake known for its ice fishing opportunities. With a variety of fish species and unique fishing techniques, it's attractive to anglers despite its somewhat limited amenities. Its popularity, especially among ice fishing enthusiasts, earns it a high rating, though its shallow depth and unclear water can pose challenges.

Shadehill Reservoir

Shadehill Reservoir in South Dakota is a scenic 5,100-acre public lake, offering a diverse fish population and sixty miles of shoreline. While lacking a marina and boat rentals, the reservoir provides a boat launch ramp, campgrounds, RV hookups, and nearby conveniences. With its blend of fishing opportunities and additional outdoor activities, it's a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Waubay Lake

Waubay Lake in northeastern South Dakota is a vast 15,000-acre public lake nestled within the Waubay National Wildlife Refuge. Offering a diverse fish population and multiple amenities like campgrounds, RV hookups, and boat launch ramps, it attracts anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. While it lacks a marina and boat rentals, its robust offering of fishing and recreational activities makes it a worthy destination.

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Pay Lakes in South Dakota

If you’re looking for less crowds, uniquely stocked ponds, and a truely one-of-a-kind experience, South Dakota also has a growing selection of private lakes. Wing It is working with local landowners to provide day access, so the options for private lakes will increase even more over the next few years. Make sure to sign up for access before you leave!